UF Men's Golf, 2/14/09

The University of Florida men’s golf team had a solid first day to take a 10-shot lead after two rounds in the 2009 SunTrust Gator Invitational. Senior Toby Ragland is on top of the leader board after firing 68 (-2) and 65 (-5) on day one for a two-round total of 133 (-7).

The Gators' first round 269 (-11) tied for the fifth-lowest round in tournament history. Led by senior Billy Horschel’s opening 65 (-5), the Gators took a five-shot lead into the afternoon round.

Helping out Horschel were Ragland and juniors Tyson Alexander and Tim McKenney who each shot two-under par 68. Senior Will Strickler rounded out the morning with a one-over par 71.

The rain starting coming down during the second round, but even the weather couldn’t keep the Gators from increasing their lead. Ragland holed six birdies in the afternoon to equal Horschel’s first-round 65 (-5).

Horschel and McKenney carded even-par 70s and Alexander finished with a one-over par 71 (+1). Horschel is two shots behind Ragland in second place heading into the final round, while McKenney (T-7th) and Alexander (T-9th) also sit in the top-10. Strickler is tied for 42nd at five-over par 145.

Three other UF golfers are playing as individuals in the event, led by freshman Mu Hu who is tied for fourth at three-under 137 for the tournament. Redshirt sophomore Andres Echavarria is tied for 12th at 140 (E) and freshman Max Kieffer is tied for 14th at 141 (+1).

Heading into Sunday’s final round, Florida holds a 10-shot lead over Ole Miss (555, -5).